Music fan? You might be suffering from iPod-itis!

Youngsters who are ‘emotionally attached’ to playing their music at full blast on their music players are in for a rude shock. A doctor has revealed that a whole generation of music fans are suffering from ''iPod-itis''

Music fan? You might be suffering from iPod-itis!

A whole generation of music fans is suffering from 'iPod-itis' - ringing in the ears - from playing music too loud, a doctor has revealed. In particular danger is those who play their music at full blast on their daily commute. Top audiologist Dr Tony Kay warns that these are the people who are at a greater risk of going deaf in later life. According to Kay, senior chief audiologist at a Liverpool hospital, the number of young music lovers visiting the clinic with hearing complaints has increased dramatically in the last two years.

Kay, of Aintree University Hospital, said he is concerned that ''iPod-itis'' is causing Britain''s youngsters irreparable damage. He said, “We all have emotional attachment to our music players but if music lovers are not careful this sustained exposure could eventually lead to complete hearing loss. “Going out every night or working in close proximity to loud music blaring out of speakers can be extremely hazardous. Youngsters who listen to music on personal music players do not understand the damage they are causing. In the last two decades we have seen more people in their late teens and early 20s with tinnitus because they have been exposed to music that is too loud.” he adds.

“Often on trains, people will turn up their music players to drown out background noise, which is hammering their ears. If you can hear the music a person is listening to three seats away, imagine how loud it must be for them.” However, Kay feels that “Good ear-plugs and lower volumes” can help safeguard hearing. However, Kay feels that “Good ear-plugs and lower volumes” can help safeguard hearing. He says that if his warning his heeded, every clubber can “enjoy music for decades longer.”